Written by: Kate Mason and Megan Sullivan
 
VAMOS A LA PLAYA !! Today we made the trek from the capital city of El Salvador to the beach to celebrate our time here this week. We got some time in the sun, baptized Mela in the ocean (PRAISE HANDS), played an impromptu game with the El Salvadorian Women's National Beach Soccer team who just so happened to be staying at the same hotel as us for their two-a-day trainings (?!?!), and finished the night with a bonfire and a time of worship on the beach. 
 
Mela, a 6^th year senior on our team from Luzern, Switzerland, made the decision to get baptized today. The team got to witness this public declaration of Mela's faith as well as celebrate all God has done in her life thus far. Ending in a team favorite of popcorn prayer, each team member prayed blessings and protection over her life before heading up for some beach soccer. 
 
It felt God ordained to be at the same hotel as the beach soccer team as we have an opportunity to share the testimony of our team with them tomorrow morning before their sunrise training session (5:30am wake up, let's roast). It has been incredible to hear the girls share moments from their testimony of how God has worked in their life, so this will be a special ending that wasn't previously on our radar. 
 
This week has been nothing short of transformative. It was sweet to sit by the fire and hear the girls reflect on our time here. Oftentimes people believe the purpose of a mission trip is to go and "do" something (build houses, deliver food, clothing, etc.), yet this week was less about "doing" and more about "being". 
 
Humberto & Hilda (our host partners with SOI El Salvador) are two of the most selfless, kind, compassionate, hardworking, and joyful followers of Jesus we have ever met. They have dedicated their lives to sharing the good news of the gospel and we have learned so much from them. While we came to serve, they served us. While we came to love, they have loved us. While we came to pour out, we have been filled up. The SOI team truly embodies what it means to live every day on mission for Christ. 
 
As we start to think about heading back home to the States, there is no doubt that each of our lives have been shaped and molded from our time here. Even though the ways Jesus has met us has looked different for all of us, the heart of God has undoubtedly been at work here in El Salvador and in this team. PRAISE JESUS HALLELUJAH.